Section outline

◄Topic 3: Pre-Writing Phase, Choosing a Topic
►Topic 5: Formal Letter
    • Paragraph: Structure Datei

    • What is a paragraph?

      A paragraph is a group of sentences about a single topic. Together, the sentences of the paragraph explain the writer's main idea (the most important idea) about the topic. In academic writing, a paragraph is often between five and ten sentences long. The first sentences of a paragraph is usually indented (moved in) a few spaces.

      Structure of a Paragraph

      • topic sentence - gives the main idea about the topic, tells us what the paragraph is about, usually the first sentence in a paragraph

      • supporting sentences - develop the idea expressed in the topic sentence; give details, give an explanation, give an example

      • concluding sentence - may or may not appear in a paragraph, usually the last sentence, summarizes what has been written in the paragraph or restates the main idea

      Source: Zemach, D. E., Rumisek, L. A. Academic Writing. From Paragraph to Essay. L. A.: Macmillan Education, 2005.

    • Topic Sentence: Explanation Datei

      Read the explanation of what is a topic sentence and why it is important for your writing.

    • Paragraph Structure: Analysis Datei

      See the analysis of the structure of a paragraph.

    • Worksheet: Paragraph Datei

      Practice what you have learned about the structure of a paragraph.

      Complete the worksheet. The answer key will be revealed next week.

    • Paragraph - Structure: Answer Key Datei
    • Task 1: Students' Reflection Aufgabe

      After you have completed the tasks on the topic of paragraph, briefly answer the following questions. Please be specific, it will help you reflect on your learning process.

      1. Is the srtucture of a paragraph clear now? Where would you need more explanation? 

      2. Has your reading/writing of paragraphs changed since you learned more about their structure?

      3. What have you learned? How will that contribute to your writing skills in English?

      The deadline is March 31.

    • Task 2: Write Two Paragraphs Aufgabe

      Choose two topics and write a paragraph about each (5 - 10 sentences). Underline the topic sentence. Mark the supporting sentences and the concluding sentence if there is one. The audience should be other university students.

      Paragraph 1 should explain/define a term from your field.

      Example: You choose to answer the question 'What is emotional intelligence?' if you study psychology.

      You are free to choose an appropriate topic for Paragraph 2.

      The deadline is March 31.

◄Topic 3: Pre-Writing Phase, Choosing a Topic
►Topic 5: Formal Letter